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- Silver Mtn
13,473 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Silver Mtn
Silver Mtn is a 13,473 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Silver Mountain East Ridge Approach: 5 mi, 550 ft of gain, Class 2.
Silver Mtn at a glance
- Elevation13,473 ft4,106 m
- RouteSilver Mountain East Ridge ApproachClass 2
- Distance5 mi550 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Silver Mountain East Ridge Approach
Silver Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Silver Mountain East Ridge Approach, rated Class 2. Plan about 5 miles round-trip with roughly 550 ft of gain from about 10,300 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Silver Mtn
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Silver Mtn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Silver Mtn?
Silver Mtn is 13,473 feet (4,106 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Silver Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,473 feet, Silver Mtn is the 223rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Silver Mtn?
The Silver Mountain East Ridge Approach is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 5 miles with 550 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Silver Mtn?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Silver Mountain East Ridge Approach, covering 5 miles with 550 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Silver Mtn?
Usually, if you are fit. The Silver Mountain East Ridge Approach is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
Will you get altitude sickness on Silver Mtn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Silver Mtn reaches 13,473 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Silver Mtn?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Silver Mtn?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Silver Mtn with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list